Touching Objects : Objects as Force-Feedback Devices

This study proposes the use of actuated physical objects to investigate force-feedback sensations to explore a 3D environment. In this study, touch triggers and feedback methods, such as haptic icons, were incorporated to the physical objects to engage the person‟s attention and interest towards the virtual objects. Rhythmical patterns were produced to indicate that the user is in proximity to the virtual objects. Afterwards, these virtual objects inside the 3D environment were modeled and analyzed based from the story, The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant. The Necklace, as a story, encloses visual details about the story‟s environment. Also, the necklace, as a physical object, is a representation of the main character‟s mishaps. Observations from the study indicate that users perceive the sensations as unique to that specific virtual object. Further observations reveal that it takes time to build mental associations between the actuated object and the 3D environment.